Spring Panfish

This time of year I like to pull an ice jig tipped with live bait under a float in the top of the water column (1-3') very slow till I find fish. Fish move up in the water column early in the year because its warmier due to the sun shine, warmer air temps and the wind blowing accross the top its also making oxygen. Look for dark bottom and weeds that are starting to grow or turn green that means the sun is penetrating the water and warming it up and the weeds will grow and make oxygen,
Fish slow and pay attention fish will move slow and bite light in the first few weeks of open water as the water warms and the water becomes oxygenated they will become more agressive and start to strike baits. When you do get a bite mark the spot with a marker bouy or hit the gps. Set up so you can fish the area by letting you bait drift into it,you dont want to cast to it you want to float to it. Casting to the spot with the fish in the top of the water column would be like throwing rocks in the water you'll scare all the fish away with the splash and water movement. Drift the bait in and watch your float and line for movement the bite will be very light most of the time ,when you see movement set the hook with nice even pressure.

Last but not least, keep a fishing journal of all your outings.

I like to check the weather sites on the computer to see what the weather was like for the 3 days prior to going out and what is forcast for the time I'll be on the water. This gives me a good idea how to setup for the fish I'm targeting the more information you go out with the better the odds are that you'll be on fish.
List all important information Date, Lake Name, Forage base,
(Weather) temp. wind direction, type of light sunny, cloudy, overcast, windy and any other information you think is important.
(Water Conditions) temp, clarity, level,
(Catches) species, location, depth, time of day, bait used, line size color, technique used
I think you get the general idea build a reference file of what works at certain times of year on the bodys of water that you fish. I carry a mini cassette recorder that I put allthis information in and then transfer it to a log book when I get off the water. Knowledge is one of the best things you can have in your tackle box the other is confidence and a passion for our great sport.

Pat Harrison

www.patharrisonoutdoors.com